A methodology of tool lifecycle management and control based on RFID

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology offers the possibility of significantly enhancing tool management and control process. A methodology of tool management and control based on RFID is proposed. In this proposed methodology, tool management and control process is mainly divided into two stages: tool preparation and tool usage. In the tool preparation stage, a centralized database which includes the information of cutting tools, fixtures, gauges, machines, parts, NC programs and work instructions is built. These information can be transmitted automatically to CAM and simulation software. In the tool usage stage, using RFID technology to control the process of tool storage and retrieval, presetting, condition monitoring and breakage is discussed. In addition, the IC chip encoding format is given for the tool management and control. Finally, a tool management and control software-Factory Manager-is developed to illustrate the application of the proposed methodology.